Abstract: Although it doesn't look it, the BARAM 2010 heatsink is slightly different than the original BARAM model. What sets the two BARAM heatsink models apart is - fin density - the number of aluminum fins each heatsink packs into the roughly 105mm vertical space.

Although it doesn't look it, the BARAM 2010 heatsink
is slightly different than the original BARAM model. Both stand about 160mm tall, both are 132mm wide
and both have five 6mm diameter copper heatpipes. The base of the BARAM 2010 heatsink is left as
raw copper instead of being nickel plated, but that's not the difference we're referring
to.

What sets the two BARAM heatsink models apart is - fin density - the
number of aluminum fins each heatsink packs into the roughly 105mm vertical
space. The original BARAM heatsink has a fin spacing of ~3.5mm at the outer
tips. The BARAM 2010 model adjusts that value by 0.5mm, so its fins are
spaced 3.0mm apart. A fraction of a millimeter different for sure, but enough to
cumulatively add ten additional fins into the BARAM 2010's fin
stack.

What does that mean? Extra surface area for cooling certainly (8900cm2 vs.
7580cm2), but also greater resistance to airflow passing
through the fin stack. As you'll see momentarily, that means the two BARAM heatsink models react differently when tested with identical fans. Where the
original BARAM model handled very well with an 80CFM fan, the BARAM
2010 demands a slightly higher air pressure source to compensate for the
added resistance its tighter fin density imparts. It's not something most
would notice, so keep that in mind if drawing direct comparisons between
the two BARAM heatsinks.

When it comes to airflow, the 710 gram Thermolab BARAM 2010 heatsink will accommodate up to two 120mm fans, one on either side of the CPU cooler. No fans are supplied with the heatsink, allowing
you to pick the fan of your choice - low noise or
high airflow/performance. The BARAM 2010 heatsink is compatible with Intel socket 775/1156/1366 and AMD
socket AM2/AM3 processors and retails for around $65USD via the usual online heatsink stores.

The
wavy leading/trailing edges of the Thermolab BARAM 2010's aluminum fins is
intended to break up airflow and diminish airflow resistance. Walls of even
aluminum fins offer resistance to airflow, particularly when low pressure
fans are used. By breaking up the surface geometry and using a wider fin
spacing at the very tips, resistance to airflow moving through the aluminum fins
is decreased somewhat.

The five copper
heatpipes also have a staggered placement in the stack of overlapping aluminum
fins, rather than punching through the aluminum in a straight row.
The placement of the 6mm diameter heatpipes helps to alleviate back
pressure issues as well, and maximize heat spreading within each aluminum
fin.

What you
can't see is that the BARAM 2010's tower of fins are effectively two separate
sections. Each aluminum fin is 55mm wide, but hidden from sight in the middle is
a cut that extends 25mm, effectively breaking the fin into two
parts.

The five copper heatpipes in the Thermolab BARAM 2010
heatsink broach the aluminum fins at distances of between 11-13mm. This helps distribute the heat they conduct to a larger overall surface area, normalizing temperature gradients within each aluminum fin. The staggering of the 6mm diameter copper heatpipes creates larger spaces, so air has less difficultly moving through.

A 120mm fan can be
mounted to one, or both sides of the Thermolab BARAM 2010 heatsink
using the supplied springy wire clips. For the purpose of
this review Frostytech will be testing the Megahalems heatsink with an 80CFM
AGA12025F12L and 50CM Mechatronics G1225S12B fan (both are 120x120x25mm vanaxial
12vDC). The former because enthusiasts like higher-airflow fans and the latter
because it has long been Frostytech's 120mm test fan of choice for heatsinks
that ship fanless.

The Intel mounting clips
uses machine screws that thread in from behind the motherboard with a metal backplate for added support. The motherboard may need to removed from the case to install the BARAM 2010 heatsink, which is never fun. It's a little easier to mount the BARAM 2010 heatsink
on AMD socket AM2/AM3 motherboards because you only need to remove the heatsink retention
cage and screw into the backplate that's already there. A socket AM2/AM3 backplate is also supplied if one is not provided with the motherboard. Apart from mounting brackets, Thermolab ship the BARAM 2010 heatsink with four 120mm fan clips and a syringe of thermal grease.

FrostyTech's Test Methodologies are outlined in detail
here if you care to know what equipment is used, and the parameters under
which the tests are conducted. Now let's move forward and take a closer look at
this heatsink, its acoustic characteristics, and of course its performance in
the thermal tests!